February 14-21, 2026: Entrepreneurship Week

WHEREAS, entrepreneurship is a key building block to success in the workplace and communities as it brings ideas, creativity, and innovation to life and drives economic growth on local, state, and national levels; and,

WHEREAS, according to the 2025 Small Business Profile, small businesses comprise 99.6% of all businesses in Michigan and collectively employ 1.9 million individuals—representing 47.7% of the state’s workforce; and,

WHEREAS, small business ownership includes significant contributions from diverse demographic groups, with women representing 44.6%, veterans 4.5%, and Hispanic individuals 3.8%; and,

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics of U.S. Businesses, a total of 13,885 firms exported goods valued at $61.4 billion from Michigan in 2023, with 12,294 of those exporters—representing 88.5%—classified as small businesses; and,

WHEREAS, data unveiled by Right to Start and GoDaddy’s Venture Forward at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference highlights the significant economic impact of these entrepreneurs, with each microbusiness contributing to the creation of approximately seven new jobs at the county level;

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is home to over 541,000 microbusinesses—defined as businesses with ten or fewer employees and a digital presence—reflecting an 8.8% growth since 2019 and averaging seven microbusinesses per 100 residents across the state; and

WHEREAS, during this week and as we work toward a better Michigan, we encourage youth and all citizens throughout the state to explore innovative ways in which entrepreneurship education can bring together the core academic, technical, and problem-solving skills essential for the success of our state's future entrepreneurs; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, we join with other states in engaging public and private organizations to spark entrepreneurial initiatives that can serve as a catalyst for new economic opportunities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 14-21, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Week in Michigan.